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Disneyworld and Universal Studios in 5 days







Most of you will probably be surprised by this destination choice. However, I haven’t been to Disney since 1997, and I have been waiting for Star Wars world! I did this trip In January 2020, when it’s considered the “slow” time and not as hot. The popular rides were still fairly crowded, but nothing compared to the summer.


I covered mainly 3 Disney Parks:

Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. I did make it to the fireworks at Magic Kingdom one night, and they were definitely worth it.


Tips and Hints:

  • Be prepared for motion sickness. Even if you haven’t been prone to it before, I heard many people say that they are now. Based on my now extensive research-the patch (prescribed), and the band have been the most effective.

  • Planning a Disney trip can be as complicated and time consuming as a trip to Europe (especially if you have kids). Get a Disney agent to help-they are the experts!

  • Get your Disney Fast Passes as early as possible. If you stay at a Disney resort, you can get them up to 60 days before. If not-it’s 30 days prior. (You must have a Disney park ticket first)

  • Make your dining reservations as early as possible. In some cases, it’s as early as 180 days before.

  • Take advantage of the “extra magic hours” where possible. Each park has their own “extra magic hours”. Note: these are available only if you stay at a Disney property.

  • Magic Kingdom fireworks are not to be missed! Get there about an hour ahead of time to get a good spot. One of the best spots is close to the Walt Disney statue.

  • Note the Wizarding World at Universal Studios is in 2 parks- Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. You will need a park to park pass to go in between the 2.


Day 1

I got to Epcot around 12:30 pm after taking the shuttle from the New Orleans Riverside Resort (Disney Property). My first stop was the Soarin ride. I didn’t have a Fast Pass for it, so I had to stand in line for about 40 minutes bit it moved quickly. Since I was a single rider, I also was able to get on quicker.

Soarin is a 3D Ride which takes you through various landscapes around the world with a lot of dips. The ride itself is set up like a ski lift with your feet dangling over the side. It’s not very long, but if you are afraid of heights or tend to get motion sickness be aware of what you are getting yourself into.


Unfortunately, I did feel sick after the ride, so I decided to walk around and experience “visiting” the various countries and where I perhaps wanted to have a snack or dessert later. I had already had some delicious Mickey Mouse beignets at the hotel at Scats in the French Quarter.


After walking around through most of the countries I felt better enough to try another ride which was a bit more laid back-Spaceship Earth. Thankfully I didn’t have too long of a wait. This was not the most exciting ride, but it was a good filler.


I stopped off to watch a few of the Pixar short films, and if you are a Pixar fan these are really cute to watch.


I had early dinner reservations at Chefs De France, and I must say the food did not disappoint. I had the escargots appetizer and the duck entrée. Of course, this was accompanied by ½ a carafe of wine. Everything was absolutely delicious!



I skipped dessert at the restaurant because I had seen an amazing looking martini dessert at L’Artisan des Glaces. I definitely recommend you try it!



After a quick photo opportunity with Snow White, I got ready for the Frozen Ride. Thankfully I had a fast pass for this, so the wait wasn’t long. If you have kids who love Frozen this is a must, otherwise do the ride only if you have the time.


I finished off the night by watching the Epcot Forever fireworks show. Make sure you get there at least 45 minutes earlier to get a good spot.


Day 2

I had been dying to go to Animal Kingdom for a long time, and I started my day off with getting there by 8 am to get in line for the Avatar ride. If you can’t get the Fast Pass, get there early or the wait can be 2+ hours! The wait was still about 45-60 minutes but the line moved quickly. I was on the ride by 9 am. Once again this is a 3D ride but you each have your own “bike” type seat. You get the feeling that you are flying and this was one of my favorite rides. Again be prepared if you have motion sickness. I had to close my eyes for part of it but still got to enjoy it.


I had fast passes for the next 2 rides- Dinosaur and Everest. Now let me preface this by saying that these 2 were recommended rides. I personally wasn’t a fan-Dinosaur has a lot of jostling, and if you have a bad back and are in the last row it can be brutal. Everest is a roller coaster-it does not go upside down but does go every other way! I barely stumbled off the ride and was so sick that I headed back to the hotel for the afternoon.


In between the 2 rides, I did go on the safari which is awesome! So that’s a definite “must-do”. Get Fast Pass if you can.


After taking some Dramamine and a nap I felt a bit better and set off for Magic Kingdom for the fireworks. If you only have time for fireworks at one park, this is the one to see! Get there about an hour ahead of time to get a good spot. One of the best spots is close to the Walt Disney statue.


Day 3

Star Wars Day at Hollywood Studios I had heard all the stories about trying to get on the Rise of the Resistance ride and people getting there at 5:30 am or earlier! Well, I got there at 5:45 am and there were crowds already!


Here’s how it “currently” works to get on this ride. You NEED to be inside the park at 7 am. Then you are able to join a virtual queue for a “boarding pass” on the app. Note-this is all on your phone! It does you no good if you don’t have a smartphone and the app to be in the park. Hopefully, you get one of the “boarding groups”. Up to group 110 you are guaranteed to get on the ride-after that it’s based on how quickly they get through everyone else, and you are in the backup groups. Once your boarding group is up, you have a 2-hour window to get to the ride where yes there is another line lol. You can check the app to see the status on which boarding group is loading, and you will get a push notification on your phone. I loved this since it gave me the freedom to go do other things without being stuck on line! If you are over group 50, you generally have about 4 hours of free time.


My next stop was Smugglers Run. At 8 am there was still a 45-60 minute wait. I think off all the rides this was my favorite! I won’t spoil it for you but definitely do this one. Also leave time for exploring Star Wars world.


After grabbing a very quick breakfast (not much was open yet), I decided to go back to Animal Kingdom to check out some of the things I missed the previous day. (FYI-Tower of Terror is very popular at Hollywood Studios-try and get a Fast Pass if you want to do this ride.)


My first stop at Animal Kingdom was back to Pandora World to take another look at it and get some pictures. Next was the different continents to see some of the culture and animals I might have missed.

After this, I waited for the Nav’i River journey. This was definitely my longest wait-85 minutes! Was it worth it? For a one time experience yes. I wouldn’t wait on line for it again.


Headed back to Hollywood Studios to grab a quick lunch at Star Wars world and for my reservation at Olga’s cantina. Note even if you have a reservation there’s a wait outside. Because I was by myself I got in quicker. They give you a small space there, and you have about 45 minutes to drink and hang out so they can move the lines along. I really enjoyed the vibe and atmosphere, very reminiscent of the cantina in the Star Wars movies.


And now it was my turn for Rise of the Resistance! As mentioned, you do have to get in line which took about 30 minutes. Be prepared, this is not just a ride, it’s more of an “experience”. The whole “experience” is about 15 minutes, unlike anything before. There was so much going on, that this is definitely something I want to do again to appreciate it!


Moving on-after much internal debate I decided to “splurge” and build my own droid. The basic cost is $100. If you want a personality chip (and you should get this), it’s another $16. The cool thing with the droid is that it interacts via Bluetooth technology with the other droids in the park! If you want to take advantage of this, get your droid earlier in the day. However, then you have to carry it around all day as well.


The grand finale-Star Wars Galactic Dessert party! Of course, there is a cost associated with this ($89), but I was not going to miss this one. Plenty of Star Wars themed desserts, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and VIP for the light show. The big surprise was that I got a VIP pass to meet Chewbacca and Darth Vader!

I will say-the light show and fireworks paled in comparison to both Magic Kingdom and Epcot, but I enjoyed the party. Make sure to get there at the earliest entrance time to get the most out of what’s offered.


Days 4 & 5

After the last few days I was exhausted, and the motion sickness was catching up with me. My main goal for Universal was to visit Harry Potter world. The only ride I went on was on Saturday-Escape from Gringotts which was more than enough for me. If you are unable to do the Forbidden Journey (I have heard this is one of the worst rides for motion sickness)-I suggest still waiting online to see Hogwarts castle. It’s worth it. There is an option to not do the ride near the very end.


Additionally, the worlds itself are wonderful to visit. You feel like you are in the movies! You can get your own interactive wands at Olivanders for about $50. These wands unlock special images and effects at different places in both parks. Really adds to the experience, and you can get one based on your birthday! (yes I got one lol)

There are also shows at both parks throughout the day, and I especially enjoyed the ones in front of Hogwarts castle.


Note the Wizarding World is in 2 parks- Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. You will need a park to park pass to go in between the 2.


Universal Citywalk is a great place to get food and take a break. If you love chocolate, desserts and want a really different experience visit Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. It is a bit pricey, but it’s a unique and delicious experience! I went there twice!


As I got ready to go to the airport and head home I reflected on things I would do differently if I went back.

Number one was get a patch or band for the motion sickness! Being sick can truly destroy your overall experience. Number two was going back for the Star Wars and Avatar rides! (PS this might be in June 😉)



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